Divers Mark 15th Anniversary of Spiegel Grove Artificial Reef

In the waters off Key Largo, divers have installed a bronze plaque that names and honors the final 250 of 1,000 contributors to a project that sank a former U.S. Naval ship — exactly 15 years ago — to become an artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The panel was attached to the side of the Spiegel Grove, the third-largest ship ever scuttled to create a new reef for divers, as another milestone in a story that proves sometimes truth IS stranger than fiction.

By Andy Newman|2017-05-17T21:29:06-04:00May 17, 2017|

Happy 80th Anniversary, Sloppy Joe’s!

When Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote in Key West in the 1930s, he spent much of his leisure time with friends at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. On May 5, 2017, the iconic Key West watering hole celebrates 80 years at its landmark home at the corner of Duval and Greene streets.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-05-03T16:26:54-04:00May 3, 2017|

Key West Remembers Rainbow Flag Creator Gilbert Baker

The Key West community remembers the late Gilbert Baker, creator of the original LGBT rainbow flag -- and working alongside him June 15, 2003, during Key West PrideFest, to unfurl a 1.25-mile-long 25th anniversary edition of the iconic flag along the entire length of Duval Street.

By Andy Newman|2021-05-13T15:30:39-04:00April 26, 2017|

Don’t Call it the ‘Kontch’ Republic

If you want to be mistaken for a Florida Keys resident — or at least a savvy regular visitor — don’t ever say “kontch.” The widely-used word “conch” is pronounced “konk" on the island chain that's proudly known as the Conch Republic.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2021-01-17T19:41:19-05:00April 12, 2017|

Spotlight Shines on Key Largo Shipwreck Anniversaries

Avid divers have a rare opportunity in the Florida Keys this year — the chance to celebrate two major Key Largo shipwreck anniversaries (including the 15th "sink anniversary" of the world-renowned Spiegel Grove) with unforgettable dives.

By Julie Botteri|2017-03-15T17:04:53-04:00March 15, 2017|

JT Thompson: The Human Behind ‘One Human Family’

Key West is well known for its residents’ welcoming and accepting attitude toward all people -- an attitude that gained formal recognition when local artist JT Thompson conceived the now global “One Human Family” concept.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-02-22T19:40:35-05:00February 22, 2017|

Get ‘Honking’ to Compete in Key West Contest

For those fascinated by the unusual art of conch shell blowing, it’s time to pucker up and hone your “honking” skills on your favorite oceanic instrument — because Key West’s 55th annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest is coming up fast.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2017-02-01T17:47:12-05:00February 1, 2017|

Tennessee Williams Takes Center Stage in Key West

Legendary gay playwright Tennessee Williams spent several decades living and writing in Key West — and today, two longtime residents are dedicated to preserving his legacy on the island he loved. Discover the Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit, and the guiding spirits who brought it to life.

By Greg Tromba|2021-05-13T15:27:04-04:00January 18, 2017|

Get a Rare Chance to Tour Key West’s Unique Homes

For visitors who wonder how Key Westers live — and what lies behind their houses’ white picket fences, historic facades and gleaming front doors — home tours scheduled for December, January, February and March provide a rare chance to find out.

By Carol Shaughnessy|2016-12-14T21:40:13-05:00December 14, 2016|

‘Immerse Yourself’ in Diving History at Islamorada Museum

The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum in Islamorada is a unique 3,000-square-foot showcase of interactive exhibits. It’s also a valuable educational resource through its free “Immerse Yourself!” and “Dive Into History!” public programs — starring maritime and dive experts who help tell the story of people’s attempts to explore, understand and venture under the sea.

By Julie Botteri|2016-12-06T18:50:38-05:00December 6, 2016|